James Foster
Founder of Careers Matter
James Foster is not your average career consultant. With an electrifying blend of lived experience, a keen intellect sharpened by an Open University degree in Computing and Telecommunications, and formal education, James navigates the changing tides of the job market with ease, bringing over 20 years of practical insight to his role as a seasoned career consultant.
His journey started in the Royal Navy, where he earned his HNC in Electronics & Telecommunications. After a career transition to British Telecom, James quickly climbed the ranks to become a Technical Officer. His love for the sea was unquenchable, though, and he soon found himself back in the Royal Navy serving on Polaris submarines.
Following a stint in project and programme management in the telecommunications industry, James embarked on a new venture in 2003, launching his own recruitment company as part of Antal International. Now, with two decades of recruitment experience under his belt, James is taking the next step in his career with the inception of Careers Matter, a career counselling and recruitment firm.
Known for his empathetic approach and a hint of humour, James presents career guidance in an enjoyable and relatable manner. His courses are renowned for their blend of valuable insights and real-life anecdotes, making the learning process both productive and entertaining.
Equipped with his degree, and his unyielding commitment to lifelong learning, James's mission is simple: to empower every job seeker with the tools they need to land their dream job and remain relevant in their chosen field.
Testimonials
Jim recruited me into my current role and has continued to provide recruitment services to the company. In all my dealings with Jim, I have found him to be highly professional, focused on the task in hand and able to source high-quality candidates everything you should expect from a quality recruitment professional but not always the case.
Andy Scopes
SVP Services and Support EMEA at Verint
Nobody came close to the professionalism, the integrity, the commitment that Jim showed. From our first conversation, he showed me that he meant business. He knew his client well, he knew the position well and he definitely knew what to look for in order to add value both to his client and myself. During the hiring process, he always delivered what he promised, and not even once he failed to follow up.
I would highly recommend Jim to anyone who either is seeking for a new job or is looking to hire the best person for a job.
Stavros Aivaliotis
MBA
Jim is a fantastic gentleman to work with. He is very skilled and professional whilst talking business and will assist in every possible.
Many thanks Jim.
Louise Lellow
Executive Assistant at Credit Suisse
Jim is a recruiter who thinks outside the box to provide value to his clients.
For example, we did a telephone interview recording to differentiate his candidate against the competition. This in turn saves hiring manager's time in due diligence and speed up hiring process to attract to creme de la creme candidates. His high tech marketing campaign works!
Pauline Gan
Global Key Accounts Director at Informa
Jim is a qualified recruiter who helped me find my actual job. Once Jim contacted me, we kept in touch with each other. He made me feel as a professional asset. In sum, I'm really thankful for all the support and advice that Jim gave me through the selection process. I strongly recommend him as a professional recruiter for technology companies.
Constantino Jesus Gomez
PMP Project Manager, Client Services at Citrix Systems Spain, SL
I worked with Jim on a couple of prospects & found him always to be professional, well-informed and consistent in his approach. He worked with singular purpose to achieve a joint aim and delivered accordingly. I would certainly recommend Jim and his services to anyone.
Simon Wade
Account Director at Datapoint
Jim has been able to obtain interviews for me at 2 very significant companies. The first at Avaya UK, gained me a position as Head of Global Engagement and Service Delivery and the second gained me the opportunity to sell my skills to a global Telecomms provider.
In each case, Jim has been communicative, diligent and good natured in his approach. His range of contacts is extremely well spread and unlike many recruiters, Jim is prepared to take calls and speak directly to his clients.
Bill Holloway
Senior Commercial Director, specialising in Outsourcing & Managed Services
Jim and I worked together for a job opportunity where Jim supported me with all relevant and needed information about the position. Jim was well informed about the position and the company and all questions I had were answered in a high quality. He has a very strong service mentality and a solution driven way of working. I worked with a lot Executive Search Companies and Jim is very well organized and always up to date.
Lars Krug
Director Enterprise Standard Fulfilment bei Vodafone
Jim was always helpful, clear and on time with the information needed to best perform for me as a potential employee, and now I am successfully placed within the company it is confirmed that he is very well regarded for these traits internally as well. Jim has also of course followed up to ensure I am settling in well and we will certainly be using Jim going forward as he finds the right talent at the right time.
George Roberts
Vice President Sales at Servion Global Solutions
Jim was great, took time to get to know me, the type of individual I am and the type of role and company that would be a complimentary fit.
He supported and coached me, and the company through the interview process (all 5 stages) and much to my own surprise, I actually enjoyed the process, feeling informed and well prepared for each stage. I'm now 2 weeks into a new job with a new company and loving it! I would recommend Jim to anyone looking for a new job and any companies seeking a professional recruiter.